The “Golden Chain of Love” was written by Dorothy Hunt in Hawaii about 90 years ago and today provides guidance to Buddhists of all ages in many parts of the world. Here is the version that appears in our red service book:
Golden Chain of Love
I will try to be kind and gentle to every living thing and protect all who are weaker than myself.
I will try to think pure and beautiful thoughts, to say pure and beautiful words, and to do pure and beautiful deeds, knowing that on what I do now depends not only my happiness or unhappiness, but also that of others.
May every link in Amida’s Golden Chain of Love be bright and strong, and may we all attain Perfect Peace.
Did these words resonate with you in new ways given our current health crisis? They did for Dr. Benjamin Bruch, a humanities instructor at Pacific Buddhist Academy and a Hawaii Betsuin board member. He wrote, “as I was reflecting on the current coronavirus pandemic and the steps we are all being asked to take to minimize the spread of the disease, I reflected on how the Golden Chain of Love offers us guidance on how to live our lives during challenging times.”
Dr. Ben’s reflection is written as a parallel text for the “Golden Chain of Love.” He has graciously shared it with the Hongwanji community, crediting his colleague Trelawney Grenfell-Muir for her invaluable input. Here it is below, just as Ben presented it. To enlarge the text, you may click the image for a PDF version.
Many mahalos to Dr. Ben for sharing his deep reflection. May it enhance our appreciation of the “Golden Chain of Love” and the strength and guidance we can draw from this beloved gatha in challenging times.
– David Atcheson
Hawaii Betsuin board member and web volunteer
PS. Helpful tip: Reciting the “Golden Chain of Love” takes about 20 seconds, the CDC-recommended minimum time for washing your hands. Hands together!
See Also
- Video: “Golden Chain of Love” gatha with hula and sign language performed at VegFest Oahu 2019 (posted by Gary Tashiro; the header image on this page is a still from the video)
- Hawaii Betsuin’s COVID-19 updates and resources